You are here:
Webinar on the Removal of Uranium from Drinking Water by Small System Treatment Technology
Citation:
Sorg, T. Webinar on the Removal of Uranium from Drinking Water by Small System Treatment Technology. EPA Small System Webinar Series, Cincinnati, OH, February 02, 2016.
Impact/Purpose:
Presentation is part of the monthly Small Systems Webinar series sponsored by WSWRD, NRMRL and OGWDW, OW. Title of presentation is Removal of Uranium from Drinking Water
Description:
Abstract: Radionuclides, such as uranium (U), occur naturally as trace elements in rocks and soils and thus can be found in dissolved forms in ground waters. Uranium has four oxidation states (+3, +4, +5, and +6) and is a very reactive element forming a variety of stable complexes with phosphate and carbonate. The uranium oxygen compounds particularly the uranyl ion (UO2 +2) can combine with CO3 -2 to form a number of positive and negative species in ground water. In the pH range of 7 -10, two predominant anion species occur in various ratios depending on the pH: UO2(CO3)2 -2 and UO2(CO3)3 -4 . The treatment technologies that have been found to be effective for uranium removal are coagulation/ filtration, lime softening, anion exchange, activated alumina, and reverse osmosis. The EPA regulation for uranium (MCL – 30 ug/L) lists ion exchange (anion), reverse osmosis, activated alumina, P-O-U RO and P-O-E RO as small system compliance technologies (SSCT). This Webinar will consist of a short discussion of the basic uranium chemistry followed by a discussion on the small system treatment technologies effective for removing uranium. Pilot plant and full scale treatment system information will be included in the discussion. The session will conclude with information on the issues of treatment plant residual disposal.